CS27fireworks_062608_LA_001_The week before the Fourth of July holiday, Denver Police Officer Dean Christopherson reminds people that fireworks are illegal in the city of Denver. A press conference was held on the edge of Denver County and Adams County at 52nd Ave. and Washington Street in Denver. The firewoks in the display are legal in Adams County and illegal in Denver County. The Denver Post, Lyn Alweis

Teams of Denver police officers and firefighters will patrol city streets again this Fourth of July season, specifically looking to curb illegal fireworks.

Denver’s eighth “Don’t Cross the Line” campaign kicks off Friday and will run through July 6, police, fire and city officials announced this morning during a press conference at East 52nd Avenue and Washington Street, along Denver’s border with Adams County.

“Fireworks are illegal in Denver, and they have been for a number of years,” said Denver City Councilman Rick Garcia.

The name of the program aims to deter Denverites from going to neighboring counties, or even states, to buy fireworks to shoot off in the city.

In Denver, “if it ignites, leaves the ground, sparkles or burns” it is illegal, said Denver Police Officer Dean Christopherson.

City officials urge Denverites to leave the fireworks to the professionals and catch one or more of the many shows in the area, including the Colorado Rockies display July 4th at Coors Field.

Christopherson said illegal fireworks are a “quality-of-life issue” because they can disturb residents who are trying to sleep or rest and they also spook pets.

Alex Paez, a Denver Fire Department spokesman, described fireworks as a safety issue because they can spark home or grass fires and injure those who are igniting them, watching them, or just passing by.

“They are very dangerous,” Garcia added.

Last year, Denver’s fireworks patrols wrote 158 citations.

Authorities in cities and counties throughout the state share Denver’s concerns.

Colorado law defines a permissible firework as any device that does not explode nor leave the ground. Municipalities and counties have written ordinances that beef up the state’s description.

Now, the tradition of Fourth of July fireworks is eclipsed by the danger of wildfires in arid Colorado, safety officials warn. About 1,100 fires are started by fireworks in the state each year, said the Colorado Springs Fire Department. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 8,500 Americans are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries connected to fireworks each year, including 40 percent who are younger than age 15.

While fireworks can be legally purchased in Wyoming and in some unincorporated areas of Colorado, they become illegal when possessed in municipalities or counties where they have been banned.

In Denver and Boulder, a violation can result in fines of up to $999 and up to six months in jail. In Colorado Springs, it is up to $500 and 90 days in jail.

“Fireworks are unpredictable and a dangerous ignition source,” Boulder fire education coordinator Sherry Kenyon said in a statement. “Visitors and residents need to know that Boulder is a prime candidate for wildfires — any time of year. In addition, burn injuries can occur with any type of firework used by a person of any age.”

The city of Boulder is working with University of Colorado students to distribute door hangers today and Friday reminding residents that fireworks are illegal.

In addition to penalties in city court, CU students also can be sanctioned by the university.

“This effort is just one of many joint efforts between CU and the city of Boulder to help create a safe and enjoyable community for all residents,” Jennifer Korbelik, the city’s university liaison, said in a statement.

Colorado Springs has set up drop-off boxes at the city’s fire stations through July 6 so residents and tourists can dispose of illegal fireworks.

Jefferson County “will strictly enforce” its fireworks ban throughout the county, the sheriff’s department said this week.

Possession of fireworks carries a fine of up to $750 in Jefferson County.

Kieran Nicholson covers breaking news for The Denver Post. He started at the Post in 1986, at the old building on 15th and California streets. Nicholson has covered a variety of beats including suburbs, courts, crime and general assignment.

Joey Bunch was a reporter for 12 years at The Denver Post before leaving to join The Gazette in Colorado Springs. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry. He likes stories more than reports.

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